Miss-Delectable
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/4769456.stm
Pupils and staff at a Devon school have learned sign language to communicate with one of the school's newest pupils.
Four-year-old Olivia Dillon, who is profoundly deaf, joined Lamerton C of E Primary School in January.
She has had a cochlear implant and is starting to say a few words but mainly communicates through sign language.
Her mother Helen said the family had been "overwhelmed" by the response from staff and pupils alike. Children at the school have a weekly signing lesson.
The village school's head teacher Ann Mitchell enlisted help from Devon County Council's advisor for deaf children on the best way to prepare for Olivia's arrival.
"Olivia's sister was already here so we knew 18 months ago that we would be having a profoundly deaf pupil starting this year," said Mrs Mitchell.
All staff, including teachers, classroom assistants and a dinner lady, started attending evening classes 18 months ago, which other parents and villagers also joined.
"They all volunteered and all the staff are doing it in their own time," said Mrs Mitchell.
"I feel really proud of everyone, it's been a great learning experience for all of us.
"I just think it's fantastic everyone has given up so much of their time.
"The children have really taken it on board and are actually excited by it and Olivia is communicating well and is very much part of the school already."
Olivia says she is enjoying school and making lots of new friends among the other 48 pupils at the small village school.
Her mother said: "As a family we have been overwhelmed by the commitment and support shown by the whole school.
"Although she has only been at school for a couple of weeks, Olivia has made tremendous progress in all areas."
Pupils and staff at a Devon school have learned sign language to communicate with one of the school's newest pupils.
Four-year-old Olivia Dillon, who is profoundly deaf, joined Lamerton C of E Primary School in January.
She has had a cochlear implant and is starting to say a few words but mainly communicates through sign language.
Her mother Helen said the family had been "overwhelmed" by the response from staff and pupils alike. Children at the school have a weekly signing lesson.
The village school's head teacher Ann Mitchell enlisted help from Devon County Council's advisor for deaf children on the best way to prepare for Olivia's arrival.
"Olivia's sister was already here so we knew 18 months ago that we would be having a profoundly deaf pupil starting this year," said Mrs Mitchell.
All staff, including teachers, classroom assistants and a dinner lady, started attending evening classes 18 months ago, which other parents and villagers also joined.
"They all volunteered and all the staff are doing it in their own time," said Mrs Mitchell.
"I feel really proud of everyone, it's been a great learning experience for all of us.
"I just think it's fantastic everyone has given up so much of their time.
"The children have really taken it on board and are actually excited by it and Olivia is communicating well and is very much part of the school already."
Olivia says she is enjoying school and making lots of new friends among the other 48 pupils at the small village school.
Her mother said: "As a family we have been overwhelmed by the commitment and support shown by the whole school.
"Although she has only been at school for a couple of weeks, Olivia has made tremendous progress in all areas."